Messenger No. 123 (March 2006)
3-3 (PDF)
Spain to Join ESO
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123....3.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On 13 February, at a ceremony in Madrid, an agreement was signed by the Spanish Minister of Education and Science, Mrs. María Jesús San Segundo, and the ESO Director General, Dr. Catherine Cesarsky, affirming their commitment to securing Spanish membership of ESO.
3-3 (PDF)
Photo - First Light of the VLT Laser Guide Star Facility. See article on page 16.
Telescopes and Instrumentation
4-5 (PDF)
Status of the European ELT
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123....4M
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Monnet, G.; Gilmozzi, R.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
In December 2004 the ESO Council defined as ESO's highest priority strategic goal the retention of European astronomical leadership and excellence into the era of ELTs, asking that the construction of an ELT on a competitive time scale be addressed by radical strategic planning. Therefore the ESO activities towards the future European ELT underwent a major 'phase transition' during 2005, with the completion of the exploration of the OWL concept and its comprehensive review by an international panel, followed by the start, with an extensive ESO Community involvement, of the iterative process that should lead quickly to the definition of the ELT it needs and wants.
6-10 (PDF)
The VLT Adaptive Optics Facility Project: Telescope Systems
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123....6A
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Arsenault, R.; Hubin, N.; Stroebele, S.; Fedrigo, E.; Oberti, S.; Kissler-Patig, M.; Bacon, R.; McDermid, R.; Bonaccini-Calia, D.; Biasi, R.; Gallieni, D.; Riccardi, A.; Donaldson, R.; Lelouarn, M.; Hackenberg, W.; Conzelman, R.; Delabre, B.; Stuik, R.; Paufique, J.; Kasper, M.; Vernet, E.; Downing, M.; Esposito, S.; Duchateau, M.; Franx, M.; Myers, R.; Goodsell, S.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(CRAL, Observatoire de Lyon, France) AH(Leiden University, the Netherlands) AI(ESO) AJ(MicroGate) AK(ADS International) AL(INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Italy) AM(ESO) AN(ESO) AO(ESO) AP(ESO) AQ(ESO) AR(Leiden University, the Netherlands) AS(ESO) AT(ESO) AU(ESO) AV(ESO) AW(INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Italy) AX(ESO) AY( Leiden University, the Netherlands) AZ(University of Durham, United Kingdom) BA(University of Durham, United Kingdom)
Abstract:
The Adaptive Optics Facility is a project to convert UT4 into a specialised Adaptive Telescope. The present secondary mirror (M2) will be replaced by a new M2-Unit hosting a 1170-actuator deformable mirror. The three focal stations will be equipped with instruments adapted to the new capability of this UT. Two instruments have been identified for the two Nasmyth foci: Hawk-I with its AO module GRAAL allowing a Ground Layer Adaptive Optics correction and MUSE with GALACSI for GLAO correction and Laser Tomography Adaptive Optics correction. A future instrument still needs to be defined for the Cassegrain focus. Several guide stars are required for the type of adaptive corrections needed and a Four Laser Guide Star Facility (4LGSF) is being developed in the scope of the AO Facility. Convex mirrors like the VLT M2 represent a major challenge for testing and a substantial effort is dedicated to this. ASSIST, is a test bench that will allow testing of the Deformable Secondary Mirror and both instruments with simulated turbulence. This article focusses on the telescope systems (Adaptive Secondary, Four Laser Guide Star Facility, RTC platform and ASSIST Test Bench). The following article describes the AO Modules GALACSI and GRAAL.
11-15 (PDF)
The VLT Adaptive Optics Facility Project: Adaptive Optics Modules
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...11A
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Arsenault, R.; Hubin, N.; Stroebele, S.; Fedrigo, E.; Oberti, S.; Kissler-Patig, M.; Bacon, R.; McDermid, R.; Bonaccini-Calia, D.; Biasi, R.; Gallieni, D.; Riccardi, A.; Donaldson, R.; Lelouarn, M.; Hackenberg, W.; Conzelman, R.; Delabre, B.; Stuik, R.; Paufique, J.; Kasper, M.; Vernet, E.; Downing, M.; Esposito, S.; Duchateau, M.; Franx, M.; Myers, R.; Goodsell, S.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(CRAL, Observatoire de Lyon, France) AH(Leiden University, the Netherlands) AI(ESO) AJ(MicroGate) AK(ADS International) AL(INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Italy) AM(ESO) AN(ESO) AO(ESO) AP(ESO) AQ(ESO) AR(Leiden University, the Netherlands) AS(ESO) AT(ESO) AU(ESO) AV(ESO) AW(INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Italy) AX(ESO) AY(Leiden University, the Netherlands) AZ(University of Durham, United Kingdom) BA(University of Durham, United Kingdom)
Abstract:
The Adaptive Optics Facility is a project to convert UT4 into a specialised Adaptive Telescope with the help of a Deformable Secondary Mirror (see previous article). The two instruments that have been identified for the two Nasmyth foci are: Hawk-I with its AO module GRAAL allowing a Ground Layer Adaptive Optics correction (GLAO) and MUSE with GALACSI for GLAO correction and Laser Tomography Adaptive Optics correction. This article describes the AO modules GRAAL and GALACSI and their Real-Time Computers based on SPARTA.
16-16 (PDF)
First Light for the VLT Laser Guide Star Facility
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...16.
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On 28 January 2006 a laser beam of several watts was launched from Yepun, the fourth 8.2-m Unit Telescope of the Very Large Telescope, producing an artifi- cial star, 90 km up in the atmosphere. It will enable the VLT’s adaptive optics system to measure and correct the atmosphere’s blurring effect.
17-18 (PDF)
VLT-UVES Long-Slit Spectroscopy
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...17H
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hubrig, S.; Avila, G.; Kaufer, A.; D'Odorico, S.; Dekker, H.; Schmutzer, R.; Marchesi, M.; Wolff, B.; Schmidtobreick, L.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(ESO) AH(ESO) AI(ESO)
Abstract:
In August 2005 we installed eight interference filters in UVES to be used with the red arm in visitor mode. The purpose of these filters is to isolate certain echelle orders to allow the use of a maximum slit length of 30' in UVES.
References:
D’Odorico, S., in “The Early Universe with the
VLT”, ed. by J. Bergeron, Springer 1997, 54
Corradi, R. L. M., Mampaso, A., Perinotto, M. 1996,
The Messenger 85, 37
Corradi, R. L. M. et al. 2004, A&A 417, 637
Terzian, Y., Hajian, A. R., 2000, ASP Conference
Series 199, 3434
Tylenda, R. et al. 2003, A&A 405, 627
19-19 (PDF)
ALMA News
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...19W
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Wilson, T.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
In the last issue of The Messenger, there was an article about the signing at ESO of the European part of the ALMA an-tenna contract. Shortly after this, the con- tract for the antenna transporters was signed. A short description of the transporters and the contract is given below.
20-20 (PDF)
The ALMA Design Reference Science Plan
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...20H
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hogerheijde, M.
AA(Leiden University, the Netherlands)
Abstract:
The ALMA Design Reference Science Plan (DRSP) grew out of the need to have a detailed view of what the first 3–4 years of full ALMA operations will look like. Based on the projects that astronomers will want to carry out with high priority, ALMA’s development can be optimised. For example, ALMA’s specifications can be tested for realistic scenarios, or plans can be made regarding which configurations or frequency bands to commission with high priority. The DRSP can also be used to determine observing strategies, data rates, and use-cases. Finally, and most crucially, the impact on the science (and ALMA’s primary Science Drivers) from any changes in specifications can be quantitatively assessed.
Reports from Observers
21-24 (PDF)
In Search of Terrestrial Planets in the Habitable Zone of M Dwarfs
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...21K
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kurster, M.; Endl, M.; Rodler, F.
AA(Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany) AB(McDonald Observatory, University of Texas at Austin, USA) AC(Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany)
Abstract:
After the availability of UVES at the VLT in 2000, we began a survey of M-dwarf stars in order to find low-mass planetarycompanions. This ongoing survey, which currently enjoys ESO Large Programme status, provides a time baseline of up to six years. It is thus capable of finding planets of just a few Earth masses in close-in orbits that correspond to the habitable zones around these stars.
References:
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24-24 (PDF)
Low-Mass Exoplanet Found Using Microlensing
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...24.
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Using a network of telescopes scattered across the globe, including the Danish 1.54-m telescope at ESO La Silla, astronomers have discovered a new extrasolar planet which is only about five times as massive as the Earth, and circles its parent star in about 10 years. It is the least massive exoplanet around an ordinary star detected so far and also the cool-est. The planet most likely has a rocky/icy sur- face. Its discovery marks a ground- breaking result in the search for planets that may support life.
25-27 (PDF)
Direct Imaging of Sub-Stellar Companions around Young Stars
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...25N
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Neuhauser, R.; Mugrauer, M.; Guenther, E.
AA(Astrophysical Institute and University Observatory (AIU), Jena, Germany) AB(Astrophysical Institute and University Observatory (AIU), Jena, Germany) AC(Thüringer Landessternwarte (TLS), Tautenburg, Germany)
Abstract:
In several years of direct imaging searches of sub-stellar companions around young nearby stars, first with plain and speckle imaging, now with Adaptive Optics (AO), we have found several brown dwarf companions - and most recently also an object with a mass estimate well below 13 Jupiter masses, so that it is probably a giant planet imaged directly, GQ Lup b. We were able to confirm all these companion candidates by common proper motion and spectroscopy showing a cool spectral type of late-M or early-L. They are only a few million years old and allow us to study the formation of planets and brown dwarfs observationally.
References:
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Guenther E. W. 2006, in: Reviews in Modern Astronomy
19 (ed. S. Röser), in press
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Wuchterl G. 2005, AN 326, 63333
28-32 (PDF)
The Formation and Early Evolution of Massive Stars
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...28H
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Henning, T.; Feldt, M.; Linz, H.; Puga, E.; Stecklum, B.
AA(Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany) AB(Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany) AC(Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany) AD(Instituut voor Sterrenkunde Leuven, Belgium) AE(Thüringer Landessternwarte Tautenburg, Germany)
Abstract:
The enormous influence exerted by massive stars on their environment can affect the evolution of entire galaxies. It manifests itself most strongly during their formation in molecular clouds and their deaths as supernovae. We give examples for current observational results that shed light on the formation of these fascinating objects. We examine how this knowledge has been achieved and how it can be extended with the help of the latest observational methods.
References:
Birkmann, S. M., Krause, O., and Lemke, D. 2006,
ApJ, in press
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ApJ 549, 425
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Puga, E. et al. 2006, ApJ, in press
Sollins, P. K. et al. 2004, ApJL 616, L35
Wood, D. O. S., and Churchwell, E. 1989, ApJS, 69,
831
33-37 (PDF)
The Dwarf galaxy Abundances and Radial-velocities Team (DART) Large Programme - A Close Look at Nearby Galaxies
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...33T
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Tolstoy, E.; Hill, V.; Irwin, M.; Helmi, A.; Battaglia, G.; Letarte, B.; Venn, K.; Jablonka, P.; Shetrone, M.; Arimoto, N.; Abel, T.; Primas, F.; Kaufer, A.; Szeifert, T.; Francois, P.; Sadakane, K.
AA(Kapteyn Institute, University of Groningen, the Netherlands) AB(Observatoire de Paris, France) AC(Observatoire de Paris, France) AD(Kapteyn Institute, University of Groningen, the Netherlands) AE(Kapteyn Institute, University of Groningen, the Netherlands) AF(Kapteyn Institute, University of Groningen, the Netherlands) AG(Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Canada) AH(Observatoire de Genève, Laboratoire d’Astrophysique, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland & on leave from Observatoire de Paris, France) AI(University of Texas, McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, Texas, USA) AJ(National Astronomical Observatory, Tokyo, Japan) AK(KIPAC, Stanford University, Menlo Park, California, USA) AL(ESO) AM(ESO) AN(ESO) AO(Observatoire de Paris, France) AP(Astronomical Institute, Osaka Kyoiku University, Japan)
Abstract:
We review the progress of ESO/WFI Imaging and VLT/FLAMES spectroscopy of large numbers of individual stars in nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxies by the Dwarf galaxy Abundances and Radial-velocities Team (DART). These observations have allowed us to show that neither the kinematics nor the abundances nor the spatial distributions are easy to explain in a straightforward manner for these smallest galaxies. The main result is that dwarf galaxies show complex and highly specific evolutionary and metal-enrichment processes, especially at ancient times. This conclusively proves that these small galaxies are not the building blocks of the larger galaxies in the Local Group.
References:
Cole A. A. et al. 2005, AJ 129, 1465
Dolphin A. E. et al. 2005, Resolved Stellar Popula-
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Wilkinson M. et al. 2004, ApJL 611, 21
38-40 (PDF)
The Age-Metallicity Degeneracy in the Dwarf Spheroidal
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...38K
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Koch, A.; Grebel, E. K.; Wyse, R. F. G.; Kleyna, J. T.; Wilkinson, M. I.; Harbeck, D. R.; Gilmore, G. F.; Evans, N. W.
AA(Astronomical Institute of the University of Basel, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Binningen, Switzerland) AB(Astronomical Institute of the University of Basel, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Binningen, Switzerland) AC(The John Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA) AD(Institute for Astronomy, Honolulu, USA) AE(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge University, United Kingdom) AF(Department of Astronomy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA) AG(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge University, United Kingdom) AH(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge University, United Kingdom)
Abstract:
The Carina dwarf spheroidal galaxy is the only one of this type to show clearly episodic star formation separated by long pauses. Still its Red Giant Branch is remarkably narrow. Our medium-resolution spectroscopy of 437 Red Giants in this galactic satellite with FLAMES reveals a full range of metallicities from ~ -3.0 up to ~ 0.0 dex. There also appears to be a mild radial gradient in that more metal-rich populations are more centrally concentrated, matching a similar trend in ages with an increasing fraction of intermediate-age stars in the centre (Harbeck et al. 2001). Complemented by the colours of the more metal-rich stars, this suggests that Carina exhibits an age-metallicity relation. We address the star formation in this intriguing galaxy by also pursuing its age-metallicity degeneracy, resulting in a narrow Red Giant Branch despite the considerable spread in metallicity and wide range of ages, and applying basic models of chemical evolution.
References:
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Grebel, E. K., Gallagher, J. S., and Harbeck, D.
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Harbeck, D. et al. 2001, AJ 122, 3092
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41-44 (PDF)
The Formation of Intermediate-Mass Galaxies over the Last 8 Gyrs
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...41H
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hammer, F.; Lehnert, M.; Puech, M.; Flores, H.; Liang, Y.-C.
AA(Laboratoire Galaxies, Etoiles, Physique et Instrumentation, Observatoire de Paris, France) AB(Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AC(Laboratoire Galaxies, Etoiles, Physique et Instrumentation, Observatoire de Paris, France) AD(Laboratoire Galaxies, Etoiles, Physique et Instrumentation, Observatoire de Paris, France) AE(National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China)
Abstract:
The physical processes driving the growth of galaxies can be robustly investigated all the way to z = 1, i.e. when the Universe was only about 40% of its current age. The advantage of restricting ourselves to this redshift range is that the total stellar mass, extinction, star-formation rate, gas-phase metal abundance, and galaxy kinematics can be recovered with reasonable accuracy. Moreover, half of the stars in spirals were formed less than 8 Gyrs ago. More practically, as we shall show, the current generation of instruments at the ESO VLT allows us to study galaxies up to z = 1 at approximately the same level of detail as what has been done for nearby galaxies. Here we present the first results of the properties of galaxies out to this redshift based on a moderately large sample of 0.4 < z < 1 galaxies using VLT/FORS, ISAAC and GIRAFFE. This study has allowed us to investigate the important physical processes that shaped galaxies including merging, gas accretion, and feedback from intense star formation.
References:
Bell, E. F. et al. 2003, ApJ S. S. 149, 289
Brinchmann, J. and Ellis, R. S. 2000, ApJ 536, L77
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Flores, H. et al. 2006, A&A, accepted
Hammer F. et al. 2005, A&A 430, 115
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Kennicutt R. 1998, ApJ 498, 541
Liang Y., Hammer F. and Flores H. 2006,
A&A 447, 113
Nakamura, O. et al. 2004, AJ 127, 2511
45-48 (PDF)
Masses and Mass-to-Light Ratios of Early-Type Galaxies at High Redshift ? The Impact of Ultradeep FORS2 Spectroscopy
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...45V
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
van der Wel, A.; Franx, M.; van Dokkum, P.r G.; Rix, H.-W.; Illingworth, G. D.; Huang, J.; Holden, B. P.; Rosati, P.
AA(Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA & Leiden Observatory, the Netherlands) AB(Leiden Observatory, the Netherlands) AC(Yale University, New Haven, USA) AD(Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie Heidelberg, Germany) AE(University of California, Santa Cruz, USA) AF(Harvard-Smithsonian CfA, Cambridge, USA) AG(University of California, Santa Cruz, USA) AH(ESO)
Abstract:
With FORS2 on the VLT we obtained ultradeep spectra of a sample of early-type galaxies at z ~ 1, which, together with high-resolution imaging from HST, provide dynamical masses. We study the evolution of the multi-wavelength photometric Fundamental Plane, including the rest-frame near-infrared, which places strong constraints on the formation and evolution of early-type galaxies as a function of mass and environment. Most prominently, we find that massive early-type galaxies formed early (at z> 2), independent of their large-scale environment.
References:
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Vazdekis, A. et al. 1996, ApJS 106, 307
49-53 (PDF)
Unveiling the Structure of Galaxy Clusters with Combined ESO-VLT WFI, and XMM-Newton Observations
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...49B
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Boehringer, Hans; Braglia, Filberto; Pierini, Daniele; Biviano, Andrea; Schuecker, Peter; Zhang, Yu-Ying; Finoguenov, Alexis; Pratt, Gabriel W.; Quintana, Hernan; Lynam, Paul D.
AA(Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AB(Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AC(Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AD(INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste, Trieste, Italy) AE(Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AF(Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AG(Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AH(Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AI(Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile) AJ(ESO)
Abstract:
Understanding the dynamical structure and matter content of galaxy clusters is crucial for many cosmological and astrophysical applications. While optical studies provide information on the distribution and dynamics of the galaxies, allowing for a tentative reconstruction of the cluster mass distribution, X-ray observations provide complementary details through the study of the hot, X-ray luminous intracluster plasma which is confined by the cluster's gravitational potential well. To exploit the avantage of such a combined approach we have been conducting observations with VIMOS at the ESO-VLT, the Wide Field Imager at the 2.2-m MPG/ESO telescope at La Silla, and ESA's XMM-Newton X-ray observatory. In this article we illustrate the power of the combination of these instruments for galaxy cluster studies.
References:
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Smail, I. et al. 1991, MNRAS, 252, 19
Zhang, Y.-Y. et al. 2006, A&A, submitted
54-58 (PDF)
Gamma-Ray Bursts: Learning about the Birth of Black Holes and Opening new Frontiers for Cosmology
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...54C
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Chincarini, G.; Fiore, F.; Della Valle, M.; Antonelli, A.; Campana, S.; Covino, S.; Cusumano, G.; Giommi, P.; Malesani, D.; Mirabel, F.; Moretti, A.; Romano, P.; Stella, L.; Tagliaferri, G.
AA(Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Italy & INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Italy) AB(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Italy) AC(INAF – Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Italy) AD(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Italy) AE(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Italy) AF(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Italy) AG(INAF/IASF Palermo, Italy) AH(ASI Science Data Center) AI(International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy) AJ(ESO) AK(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Italy & Supported by the Italian Space Agency (ASI)) AL(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Italy & Supported by the Italian Space Agency (ASI)) AM(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Italy) AN(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Italy)
Abstract:
Swift, a satellite devoted to the study of cosmic gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), is now fully operational and detects about 100 GRBs per year, as the first year of operation demonstrated. Since its launch (20 November 2004), Swift has monitored with the narrow-field X-Ray Telescope (XRT) 75 afterglows (out of 97 GRBs), starting just a few minutes after the GRB onset. Together with the events detected by HETE-II and INTEGRAL, Swift gives us a unique position to unveil the details of these enigmatic events, which likely identify the birth of black holes. GRBs are also useful cosmological tools, and can be used as powerful, distant beacons to trace the history and evolution of the early Universe. All of this can be accomplished by the use of Swift, coupled to large ground-based telescopes. In this article we describe some of the fresh, exciting results obtained in the field.
References:
Barthelemy, S. D. et al. 2005, Nature 438, 994
Chincarini, G. et al. 2003, The Messenger 113, 40
Woosley, S. E. 1993, ApJ 405, 273
Cusumano, G. et al. 2006, Nature 440, 164
Della Valle, M. et al. 2004, The Messenger 118, 31
Fiore, F. et al. 2005, ApJ 624, 853
Gehrels, N. et al. 2004, ApJ 611, 1005
Tagliaferri, G. et al. 2005, A&A 443, L1
Other Astronomical News
59-61 (PDF)
The ALMA-Herschel Synergies
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...59A
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Andreani, P.; Wilson, T.
AA(INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste, Italy) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
One of the ESO-ESA science planning working groups has studied joint opportunities offered by Herschel and ALMA in the infrared and submillimetre bands. A brief summary of the report edited by David Elbaz and Tom Wilson is given here.
References:
Schöier F. et al. 2005, A&A 432, 369
Shaver P. 1996, Science with Large Millimeter
Arrays, Springer Verlag.
Wilson A. 2005, The Dusty and Molecular Universe
ESA-SP577, ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands
Wootten A. 2001, Science with the Atacama Large
Millimeter Array (ALMA), ASP Conference Series, Vol. CS 235
61-61 (PDF)
ESO at AAAS
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...61M
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO at AAAS
62-62 (PDF)
Latin American Summer School
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...62A
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Argandona, G.; Mirabel, F.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
More than 200 students gathered in December at ESO-Vitacura for the first multi-thematic Latin American Astronomy Summer School, organised jointly by ESO and the Chilean Astronomical Society (SOCHIAS).
63-65 (PDF)
Report on the Conference on Groups of Galaxies in the Nearby Universe (held in Santiago de Chile, 5-9 December 2006)
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...63S
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Saviane, I.; Ivanov, V. D.; Borissova, J.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
For every galaxy in the field or in clusters, there are about three galaxies in groups. Therefore, the evolution of most galaxies actually happens in groups. The Milky Way resides in a group, and groups can be found at high redshift. The current generation of 10-m-class telescopes and space facilities allows us to study members of nearby groups with exquisite detail, and their properties can be correlated with the global properties of their host group. Finally, groups are relevant for cosmology, since they trace large-scale structures better than clusters, and the evolution of groups and clusters may be related.
66-66 (PDF)
Fellows at ESO
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...66C
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Chauvin, G.; Galliano, E.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
Gaël Chauvin; Emmanuel Galliano
66-66 (PDF)
Science in School launched
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...66.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Announcements
67-68 (PDF)
The UKIDSS Early Data Release
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...67W
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Warren, S.; Dye, S.; Hambly, N.
AA(Imperial College London) AB(Cardiff University) AC(University of Edinburgh)
Abstract:
The first release of data from the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) took place on 10 February 2006. The data are proprietary to astronomers in ESO states, for 18 months, before release to the world. This Early Data Release (EDR) comprises mostly data observed in May and June 2005. Although the EDR represents a very small fraction of the complete UKIDSS 7-year plan, it is already large compared to existing surveys, and will be valuable for science exploitation.
References:
Dye S. et al. 2006, MNRAS, submitted
Hewett P. C. et al. 2006, MNRAS, in press
Lawrence A., Warren S. J., Almaini O. 2006,
MNRAS, submitted
Lawrence A., Warren S. J. 2005, The Messenger
119, 56
Warren S. J. 2002, The Messenger 108, 31
69-69 (PDF)
Scisoft VI
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...69H
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hook, R.
AA(ST-ECF/ESO)
Abstract:
Scisoft is a collection of astronomical software intended mostly for ESO users but also distributed to other interested parties. It includes most of the packages needed by working observational astronomers with an emphasis on those widely used for handling optical and infrared data sets. It is installed on all the standard scientific computers running Linux at ESO Garching. More complete details, including a list of software that is included in the bundle, can be found at www.eso.org/scisoft.
69-69 (PDF)
Workshop on Deep Impact as a World Observatory Event
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...69.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The astronomy group in the physics fac- ulty of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel to- gether with ESO, is organising a workshop on the worldwide observational campaign of the “Deep Impact Experiment” (c.f. Käufl et al. 2005, The Messenger 121, 11). In the context of NASA’s Deep Impact space mission Comet 9P/Tempel1 was at the focus of an unprecedented world- wide long-term multi-wavelength observation campaign. The comet was studied through its perihelion passage by various spacecraft including the Deep Impact mission itself, HST, Spitzer, Rosetta, XMM and all major ground-based observatories in a wavelength band from cm-wave radio astronomy to X-rays.
70-70 (PDF)
Conference on Precision Spectroscopy in Astrophysics
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123R..70.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
In the last decade we have witnessed im- pressive advancements in the accuracy of Doppler-shift measurements in astron-omy and of high-precision spectroscopy in general.
70-70 (PDF)
MPA/ESO/MPE/USM Joint Astronomy Conference on Heating versus Cooling in Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123Q..70.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The aim of the conference is a review of our knowledge of the physical processes controlling the state of the dense, cen- tral intracluster medium in galaxy clusters and to dicuss their analogy to feedback process in regulated galaxy formation.
71-71 (PDF)
Euroscience Open Forum - ESOF2006
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123R..71.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Following the successful first ESOF2004 event in Stockholm, the second pan-European ‘General Science Meeting’ ESOF2006 is scheduled to be held in Mu- nich from 15–19 July 2006 at the Forum am Deutschen Museum and the Deutsches Museum. ESOF constitutes an at- tempt to create a European version of the famous AAAS meeting and targets scientists, science administrators and policy makers as well as science journalists from across the continent.
71-71 (PDF)
Science on Stage 2
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123Q..71.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The first Science on Stage festival, held at CERN in Geneva in November 2005, was a great success. As described in the previous issue of The Messenger, almost five hundred science educators from across Europe met to share innovative science-teaching techniques.
72-72 (PDF)
ESO Studentship Programme
ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.123...72.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The ESO research student programme aims at providing opportunities to enhance the Ph.D. programmes of ESO member-state universities. Its goal is to bring young scientists into close con- tact with the activities and people at one of the world’s foremost observatories. For more information about ESO’s astronomical research activities please consult http://www.eso.org/science/
73-74 (PDF)
Vacancies
75-75 (PDF)
List of Proceedings from the ESO Astrophysics Symposia
75-75 (PDF)
Personnel Movements
Annual Index
76-77 (PDF)
Subject Index 2005 (Nos. 119–122)
77-79 (PDF)
Author Index 2005 (Nos. 119–122)
80-80 (PDF)
Contents